2014. Elevate.

As 2014 wakes up and stretches its limbs, I’m excited to share my vision for the year. Unlike past years, it is not elaborate. In fact, it’s a single word, ELEVATE, accompanied by a single image shown here:

Michael Jordan Playground…Pic Courtesy of TheShoeGame.Com

For years, I’ve been a shrinker. I’ve been overly concerned with the opinions of others. In many cases, I would shrink to avoid the possibility of standing out or making someone else feel uncomfortable. It ‘s exhausting. So, I’ve decided that I won’t do it anymore. In 2014, I plan to be more fully me. I plan to give myself the same consideration that I give others. I plan to pursue things that I’ve postponed due to fear or worse.

A few years ago, I stumbled across a piece that set me on this journey towards this new place. I would often end my time with a group of young men in our youth group by having us read this aloud. I thought it was impacting them. In fact, it was impacting me, as well.

Here’s to 2014, friends!

Our Deepest Fear — Marianne Williamson

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous,
talented and fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of God.

Your playing small does not serve the world.

There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other

people won’t feel insecure around you.

We were born to make manifest the glory of
God that is within us.

It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine,
we unconsciously give other people
permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.